Flooding rescues continue in New Jersey two days after heavy rains, river peaks in Little Falls

Emergency crews continued rescuing residents stranded from flooding in Paterson, New Jersey on Wednesday after heavy rains earlier in the week led the Passaic River to overflow its banks.

Nearly two dozen residents were evacuated from their homes and cars throughout the day.

"We're evacuating from the house, we have our clothes, and we're just trying to find somewhere to go," said Paterson resident Alexander Florez.

A state of emergency remains in effect in Paterson with many roads still underwater and many key routes impassable. Gov. Phil Murphy described the situation as the worst flooding since Hurricane Ida.

Schools in Paterson were closed Wednesday for a second straight day due to the flooding.

"Due to continued flooding and road closures caused by heavy rain, it has become a safety issue for students and staff traveling into the city," the school district said in a statement.

The school district had planning to reopen Thursday but announced it will remain closed until Jan. 2.

"The decision is due to continuing safety issues for our students and staff traveling into the city in relation to flooding, frozen surfaces, and road closures," a statement from the superintendent said.

Further down the river in Little Falls, the National Weather Service reported the Passaic River peaked at 10.29" Wednesday morning, more than 3 feet above major flood stage. As of Wednesday morning, 17 people were evacuated and will not be allowed back into their homes until Friday morning at the earliest.

The Red Cross set up a shelter at the Little Falls civic center.

The last time the Passaic River was this high in Little Falls was 2011.

Some parts of the area will not fall below major flood stage until later in the week.